DETROIT (AP) — Jahmyr Gibbs was the game-breaking participant the Detroit Lions wanted to get their high-powered offense in gear — and provides them a first-round bye and home-field benefit within the NFC playoffs.
Gibbs scored three of his franchise-record tying 4 touchdowns within the second half, and the Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 on Sunday night time to win their second straight NFC North title.
“Everyone’s acquired to come back via right here, child!” Detroit defensive finish Za’Darius Smith mentioned to the roaring crowd after the sport.
The Lions (15-2) and Vikings (14-3) might meet once more in two weeks.
Banged-up Detroit could have a much-needed week off, whereas Minnesota performs on the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams subsequent Monday night time.
Within the NFL’s remaining recreation earlier than the playoffs, two groups performed within the common season with a mixed 28 victories for the primary time. A No. 1 seed was decided in a regular-season finale for the third time in three-plus a long time.
Dallas wrapped up the 1993 common season towards the New York Giants with a 16-13 time beyond regulation win to present the Cowboys prime seeding they used to their benefit as they superior to and gained the Tremendous Bowl. The Giants, in the meantime, beat Minnesota within the wild-card spherical and have been routed at San Francisco the next week.
Detroit desperately hopes historical past repeats itself. The Lions are searching for their first Tremendous Bowl look and hoping to finish an NFL championship drought that dates to 1957. They’re a No. 1 seed for the primary time in franchise historical past.
“It’s not the cherry on prime,” quarterback Jared Goff mentioned. “Not but.”
Sport No. 272 of the common season was anticipated to be a shootout with Professional Bowl quarterbacks main high-scoring offenses, however Goff and Sam Darnold weren’t at their finest.
Gibbs picked up the slack for his group.
“He’s as explosive as any participant within the league,” Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned.
Gibbs had 23 carries for 139 yards with a career-high three dashing touchdowns and caught 5 passes for 31 yards and one other rating.
“He was particular, and we wanted him to be,” Goff mentioned.
Goff threw two interceptions after getting picked off solely as soon as within the earlier seven video games and Minnesota made subject objectives after the turnovers within the second and third quarters.
After Vikings rookie Will Reichard linked on his third kick to chop the deficit to 10-9 early within the third, Goff directed a 13-play, 70-yard drive that took 7:25 and was capped by a slick cross to Gibbs for a 10-yard landing on fourth-and-2.
Goff was 8 of 8 on that possession and completed 27 of 33 for 231 yards with a landing and two interceptions.
Darnold accomplished fewer than half his passes within the first half, lacking alternatives to choose up first downs and rating touchdowns. The Vikings have been 0 of three within the crimson zone via two quarters to let the Lions lead 10-6 at halftime and failed to attain a landing after they have been contained in the 20 for a fourth time within the second half.
The Vikings went for it on fourth down from the Lions 3 within the second quarter and Darnold, below strain, overthrew an open Justin Jefferson in the long run zone.
Darnold threw one other incomplete cross on fourth down from the Detroit 2 early within the third.
“Kicking subject objectives isn’t going to get it accomplished towards that group,” Darnold mentioned. “I’ve to hit these throws.”
O’Connell opted to try a 51-yard subject objective late within the third, trailing by eight, and Reichard missed large proper.
Darnold was 18 of 41, a season-low 44% completion fee, and linked with Jefferson simply 3 times on 9 targets for 54 yards.
“We didn’t do a whole lot of the issues we did properly this season,” O’Connell mentioned. “Sam has hit a whole lot of these performs all 12 months and I’ve each little bit of confidence that he’ll hit it the following time.”
Accidents
Vikings: OLB Patrick Jones (knee) was inactive.
Lions: LB Alex Anzalone (damaged forearm) and punt returner/receiver Kalif Raymond (foot) returned from accidents to play for the primary time since November. … CB Terrion Arnold (foot) and DL Pat O’Connor (Calf) have been injured through the recreation and OG Kevin Zeitler got here off the sphere, holding the again of his proper leg late within the recreation.
Up subsequent
Vikings: Go to the Rams because the NFL’s first 14-win wild card. They’d earn a rematch with the Lions if they’re the NFC’s lowest remaining seed after wild card weekend.
Lions: Host a divisional-round recreation after their first bye since Week 5.
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Observe Larry Lage at https://apnews.com/writer/larry-lage
Name him Timo-Two Cartiers. On Friday, on the thirty sixth Annual Palm Springs Worldwide Movie Competition, the actor who effortlessly slid into Bob Dylan pulled off one more high-wire act: Pairing a mini Cartier Tank with… a second mini Cartier Tank. Hell sure. Only a few days into 2025 and we have already got ourselves an iconic red-carpet second, with Timothée Chalamet doubling down on one of many largest watch tendencies of final yr.
Steve Granitz
Again in August, teeny-time timepieces had grow to be an enormous factor for the trade. Cartier stoked the hearth in 2023 with its diminutive Bagnoire Bangle, and Hublot and Audemars Piguet saved it roaring final yr with the discharge of dantier spins on the Basic Fusion Authentic and Royal Oak, respectively. Now, Chalamet and his wispy mustache have demonstrated precisely what makes these mini watches so thrilling.
Mini watches—something clocking in at 27 mm or under, for our functions—are the tapas of the horological world. (Versus the porterhouses, like your IWC Huge Pilots or Rolex Submariners.) To actually make magic occur with a tiny timepiece, then, you’re nearly actually gonna have to order a pair extra plates for the desk. It’s why after the super-stylish collector Mark Cho invested within the Bagnoire Bangle, he selected to put on it hid beneath his shirt sleeve as a enjoyable additional shock, whereas his main-dish watch sat seen on his different wrist. When Rihanna wears her fun-sized Royal Oak, she pairs it with a half-dozen bracelets—the wristwear equal of a seafood tower stacked with one gleaming layer atop one other.
Just like the aforementioned A-plus dressers, Chalamet handled his mini Tanks as jewelry-like equipment quite than purely useful watches. In actual fact, the Dune star didn’t cease on the twin Tanks; he additionally piled on a 3rd piece of wristwear—considered one of Cartier’s iconic Love bracelets. Now that’s a dedicated model ambassador if we’ve ever seen one.
On the press tour for his Dylan biopic A Full Unknown, Chalamet has discovered a technique to endear himself to simply about each potential viewers: He dropped prolific Dylan information with Nardwuar, proved himself a ball knower on School Gameday, and—my private favourite—even hit the Soulja Boy “Crank That” throughout an interview. Now, with two mini Tanks on his wrist, he’s doubtlessly satisfied a number of severe watch heads to hit the theaters too.
Sport 272 of the common season was one for the file books for the Detroit Lions.
An epic matchup of two 14-2 groups to finish the common season was dominated by the Lions in all three phases, and when it was all stated and accomplished, Detroit turned NFC North champions for a second consecutive 12 months after a 31-9 win.
The win not solely captured the North title for Detroit, but additionally secured the group’s first No. 1 seed within the NFC playoffs, which suggests the Lions have home-field benefit all through the playoffs.
“What a win,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated after the sport. “I am unable to say sufficient about our protection. Let me begin there. AG (defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) and the protection they actually managed that recreation for us, significantly within the first half.
“Simply complete group effort staring with our protection. Took the entire unit, however what a fantastic job. Again-to-back division winners within the NFC North and received the No. 1 seed, 15 wins, I simply could not be extra happy with these guys.”
Detroit’s protection was terrific all night time, holding the Vikings out of the top zone and making two essential fourth-down stops inside their very own 5-yard line to assist seal the sport. Minnesota was simply 3-for-13 on third down, 0-for-3 on fourth down and 0-for-4 within the crimson zone.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The following period in WWE has arrived.
WWE began 2025 with one of many largest shifts within the firm’s historical past, aa its iconic Monday Night time Uncooked made its Netflix debut. On air since 1993, Uncooked moved to the streaming large for its first present away from cable, and it’s anticipated to be a monumental evening for WWE.
4 matches made up the cardboard, all fundamental event-worthy bouts. CM Punk and Seth Rollins lastly put their feud within the ring, the best to put on the ula fala was decided in tribal fight, and the highest rivalry within the girls’s division entered one other chapter with championship gold on the road. That does not even embody the numerous appearances that occur, together with an “electrifying” one and the beginning of the John Cena farewell tour.
Here’s a recap of all of the highlights and outcomes from the primary Monday Night time Uncooked on Netflix.
Watch: Monday Night time Uncooked publish present
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
With no love misplaced between these two long-standing rivals, Punk and Rollins received proper into it in making an attempt to finish the profession of one another. They rapidly went outdoors of the ring and tried to throw one another into the announcer’s desk and the barricade.
Rollins received right into a heated trade with the referee, and the distraction gave Punk sufficient time to get well and drop kick his opponent. He then launched him off the highest turnbuckle in a transfer not many would count on Punk to execute as of late.
The 2 stars went back-and-forth, and Rollins even stole a web page from Punk’s guide along with his personal Go To Sleep. When Punk tried to do his personal, Rollins caught in and landed one other one among his opponent’s signature strikes. He went for a pin that was unsuccessful. Rollins then had a number of pin makes an attempt that fell simply wanting getting the win. Fed up, Rollins tried to place it away with a vicious curb stomp. He went for one more pin, however Punk was capable of get his foot on the rope to finish the try.
Rollins took Punk up the turnbuckle and landed a suplex, but it surely was countered with a Go To Sleep from Punk. Rollins stumbled and fell proper again into the arms of Punk, who landed one other Go To Sleep that did it. Punk received the pin and emerges the winner of this one.
Evaluation: What a fundamental occasion placed on by among the greatest performers to have been a part of WWE this century. The clear hate between the 2 was evident and it made for some strong leisure.
A case might have been made for both star to win, however Punk rising on prime absolutely resets Rollins’ positioning within the hierarchy of the corporate. It will possible ship him down one other darkish path and wanting to hunt redemption. Then again, Punk nonetheless has a stronghold over some bitter rivals. He received the very best of Drew McIntyre, and now he has the higher hand on Rollins. It’ll be robust to take him down as he’s headed towards a WrestleMania fundamental occasion match.
Hulk Hogan returns, will get booed
”Hulkamania” just isn’t operating wild.
WWE Corridor of Famer Hulk Hogan got here out to greet the gang, but it surely didn’t appear to go in addition to he thought as the gang booed him. There was a transparent distaste for Hogan, as the gang solely received louder as Hogan spoke.
Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre
Uso wasted no time going after McIntyre, flying out of the ring to strike him earlier than the bell even rang. McIntyre recovered rapidly and despatched Uso into the metal steps after which into the ring to formally get the motion began.
From there it was McIntyre making an attempt to brutally assault the person a part of the OG Bloodline. Uso needed to play protection and attempt to counter something thrown at him, however McIntyre wasn’t letting management get away from him.
McIntyre was capable of land a Claymore on Uso and the pin was unsuccessful. That didn’t appear to be an issue, as McIntyre went again to work with fixed punches and chops. He went for one more Claymore, and it didn’t land trigger Uso fell. McIntyre gloated about it, however he received caught unexpectedly. Uso snuck up and rolled away with the victory to stun McIntyre.
Evaluation: The frustrations will solely proceed to develop for McIntyre. Regardless of being in fixed management for a lot of the match, he received caught letting down and loses.
It will possible solely make McIntyre extra upset with the OG Bloodline, and he would possibly attempt to go after Uso as soon as once more. Watch your again Uso.
Jey Uso enters with Travis Scott
It was fairly the “Yeet” entrance for Jey Uso with rapper Travis Scott, who’s behind the brand new official music for Monday Night time Uncooked, joined him for his entrance. The 2 made their method down the Intuitive Dome steps and partied with the gang.
When the pair received to the ring, they made positive to “Yeet” with commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee.
The Undertaker celebrates with Rhea Ripley
The “Deadman” is giving his congratulations to the brand new Ladies’s World Champion.
As Ripley made her method again down the ramp, the signature bell ring went off contained in the Intuit Dome, turning the lights off and sending the gang in a frenzy. Then the “American Badass” music performed and The Undertaker got here out driving his bike. He went across the ring and got here again to be proper subsequent to Ripley. The 2 shared a glance and raised their arms because the fireworks went off within the enviornment, signifying of the WWE’s legend approval of Ripley.
Ladies’s World Championship match: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
The 2 heated rivals wasted no time making an attempt to tear one another aside, making an attempt put as a lot punishment as potential. However because the battled it out, Morgan’s companions in Dominik Mysterio and Raquel Rodriguez made positive to get their photographs in every time the referee wasn’t trying.
Due to the benefit, Morgan was capable of set up some offense and even toyed with Ripley at some factors. Nevertheless Ripley took each shot and it solely fueled her in turning the tide. Together with her dominant top and energy, Ripley threw Morgan round with ease. She landed a Riptide, just for the champion to kick out.
Seeing Morgan slipping, Mysterio and Rodriguez created a distraction that helped Morgan land an Oblivion on the metal chair, one thing she had accomplished many instances earlier than. She went for the pin, however Ripley kicked out. Morgan then paid homage to Eddie Guerrero − or Mysterio − by doing the Three Amigos, the Guerrero shake and a frog splash. However the pin did not work after that.
Morgan was upset, and he or she tried to do one other Oblivion, just for Ripley to catch it. She picked Morgan up and landed one other Riptide. However one wasn’t ok; she picked Morgan up for one more Riptide and it was sufficient to place her away and reclaim the championship.
After the match, Mysterio tried to make up with Ripley by providing an embrace, and Ripley not solely hit a low blow on her former love, however she hit the Riptide on him to punctuate her victory.
Evaluation: “Mami” is again on prime. Ripley’s quest to reclaim her gold she by no means technically misplaced is lastly full, and he or she did it in spectacular trend. The rivalry, though it is gotten stale at instances, is the highest factor within the girls’s division, and it wanted some change as a way to keep some approval with the fan base.
Ripley begins 2025 with gold round her waist, and it is extremely possible she’ll head into WrestleMania season with a strong probability to defend that title at WWE’s prime occasion. However she positively is not accomplished coping with Morgan, and there is possible a rematch developing within the close to future, maybe on the Royal Rumble.
John Cena emerges
Let the farewell tour start.
John Cena got here out to start out his ultimate yr of wrestling, addressing the gang with one other ode to the transfer to Netflix. He stated he couldn’t consider a greater place to start out the farewell tour than in Los Angeles, and talked about his wrestling roots within the space.
There’s been hope Cena would grow to be a report 17-time WWE champion this yr, however he stated it’s “by no means going to occur.” He clarified that he has a greater probability to win an Academy Award than win one other title, however there are probabilities he might compete for it.
With a smirk to the gang, Cena then introduced he’ll enter the 2025 Royal Rumble for the possibility to be a No. 1 contender at WrestleMania 41. He then made a robust prediction earlier than signing off.
“I’m going to win the Royal Rumble,” he stated.
Tribal fight for the ula fala and title of Tribal Chief: Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa
After locking as much as begin, Reigns threw Sikoa out of the ring. They locked up once more outdoors, and Sikoa then took benefit, bouncing Reigns’ head off the announcer’s desk.
The momentum shifted as soon as Sikoa introduced the weapons out, throwing the metal steps at his opponent and utilizing a chair afterward. After Reigns countered the photographs, the opponents continued to go back-and-forth, taking any alternative to land a brutal shot.
Reigns despatched Sikoa by means of a desk and went for the pin, however Tama Tonga got here out to cease the referee. Jacob Fatu then emerged and went to work on Reigns, making an attempt to assist Sikoa safe the win. He landed a Samoan spike, however Reigns kicked out of the pin. Pissed off, Sikoa then hit the Samoan spike on the referee.
With Reigns outnumbered, Sami Zayn and Jimmy Uso got here out to neutralize the battle, after which teed off Sikoa. Reigns landed a spear, however there was no referee to depend. By the point a brand new one got here out, Sikoa kicked out to proceed the mayhem.
Then one other shocker: Kevin Owens emerged to take out Reigns, and Cody Rhodes got here out to care for his rival, taking the battle to the gang.
Then it was Reigns and Sikoa left. The 2 tried to execute finishers on one another, and it was Reigns who landed the spear. His opponent was down, and Reigns did his conflict cry earlier than touchdown one other spear. He went for the pin, received it and Reigns is again because the Tribal Chief.
As Paul Heyman was about to place the ula fala on Reigns, The Rock entered. He took the ula fala and positioned it on Reigns’ neck and so they embraced.
Evaluation: It was the identical previous chaos that occurs in Tribal fight, and it ends with the “OTC” on prime. It was refreshing to see either side get proper into the motion reasonably than ready for one thing to construct.
It was anticipated Sikoa’s sidekicks would come out, however Owens was a shock. Nonetheless, there was sufficient help for Reigns, and Rhodes popping out confirmed the 2 sides have mutual respect.
The battle in The Bloodline continues to be removed from settled, and it’ll possible head towards WrestleMania. Nevertheless, Reigns is again on prime and able to retake declare inside the WWE, similar to many followers have been ready for.
The Rock seems
Individuals did not have to attend lengthy to see The Rock.
The WWE legend was first individual to emerge from the doorway ramp, because the Intuit Dome crowd erupted as soon as his music hit the audio system. He got here out with the Individuals’s Championship title he was given throughout WrestleMania 40 weekend, and he gave it to his daughters to carry earlier than going within the ring.
The Rock recalled how robust it was to look at wrestling as a child, and now it has advanced to being obtainable worldwide. He introduced Monday’s occasion set the report for the most important enviornment gate within the historical past of WWE.
However what occurred subsequent was a shock. The Rock thanked Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes for carrying the corporate “on his again” the previous yr. The 2 have been rivals at WrestleMania 40, and The Rock was now gracious to Rhodes, who was in attendance. The 2 sides acknowledged one another with respect. Later, they shared an embrace that needed to stun the WWE crowd.
He then gave credit score to Roman Reigns, the “unique Tribal Chief” as he’s set to tackle Solo Sikoa in tribal fight for the best to put on the ula fala. The Rock stated he shall be watching the results of the match intently.
Triple H kicks off present
The evening begins off with WWE chief content material officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque revealing the brand new ring for Monday Night time Uncooked. He advised the gang the complete globe will have the ability to watch the present now that it’s obtainable to look at on Netflix. He did his signature “are you prepared” earlier than the gang erupted.
“Welcome to the Netflix period,” he yelled.
Watch: Monday Night time Uncooked chilly open
When is Monday Night time Uncooked on Netflix?
The primary Monday Night time Uncooked on Netflix is Monday, Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. ET.
The place is Monday Night time Uncooked on Netflix debut?
Monday Night time Uncooked on Netflix will happen on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, residence of the Los Angeles Clippers. Will probably be the primary wrestling occasion to happen on the enviornment because it opened in August 2024.
Learn how to watch Monday Night time Uncooked on Netflix: TV channel, streaming
Monday Night time Uncooked shall be obtainable solely on Netflix. Viewers will want a Netflix subscription to look at the occasion, and it is obtainable at no extra value. Followers with any Netflix subscription tier will have the ability to watch.
Monday Night time Uncooked on Netflix match card
Matches not so as
Ladies’s World Championship match: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Tribal fight for the ula fala and title of Tribal Chief: Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre
Who else shall be at Monday Night time Uncooked on Netflix debut?
There shall be loads extra occurring aside from the scheduled matches for Monday. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Bianca Belair have been promoted for the present, but it surely’s unclear how they may participate. Rapper Travis Scott will carry out the brand new Monday Night time Uncooked theme music.
There shall be some returns as effectively, together with the arrival of Logan Paul.
Will John Cena return?
The farewell tour stars now as John Cena will kick off the ultimate marketing campaign of his storied wrestling profession. The 16-time WWE champion introduced in 2024 he can be retiring from in-ring competitors in 2025 and plans to compete in a number of matches this yr.
What about The Rock?
Prepare for the return of the “most electrifying man in sports activities leisure.” The Rock confirmed he shall be a part of the present.
“I’ll come again residence to WWE tomorrow evening as we make historical past on Netflix and start a brand new and thrilling period,” he stated on social media on Sunday. “Tomorrow evening is devoted to my grandfather, the Excessive Chief Peter Maivia, my grandmother, Lia Maivia and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson and my ancestors who’ve ALL paved the way in which.”
It is unclear how The Rock shall be a part of the occasion, but it surely would not be a shock for him to play a job within the tribal fight between Reigns and Sikoa. The final time The Rock appeared in WWE was in October, when he appeared on the finish of Dangerous Blood and stared down Reigns and Sikoa.
Monday Night time Uncooked stage
There’s nothing new contained in the Intuit Dome relating to the Monday Night time Uncooked stage. It’s just like how WWE has structured its exhibits which permits for individuals to take a seat within the seats behind the doorway ramp.
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James Lee Williams, a drag performer and winner of the inaugural season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” who was finest identified by the stage title The Vivienne, died over the weekend. They have been 32.
Williams’s demise was introduced in a press release by their supervisor, Simon Jones, which didn’t cite a trigger.
Williams, who adopted the stage title for a love of dressing in Vivienne Westwood garments, rose to prominence as one of many world’s most recognizable drag queens after successful the primary season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.”
On the present, The Vivienne was identified for comedy and vocal impersonations — significantly that of Donald Trump — and opened up a couple of wrestle with substance abuse and restoration.
“The Viv is an ideal instance of a twenty first century British Queen,” RuPaul mentioned within the 2019 last.
James Lee Williams was born on April 12, 1992, in Colwyn Bay, Wales. At 16, Williams moved to Liverpool, England, to pursue a profession as a make-up artist. It was in Liverpool the place they earned their nickname Vivienne for dressing “head to toe” Vivienne Westwood and found a ardour for drag, Williams mentioned in a 2020 interview with The Sunday Instances.
“I noticed some drag queens at a membership one evening and was shocked,” Williams mentioned within the interview. “These individuals have been getting paid to have an excellent evening and entertain individuals. I knew instantly that was what I wished to do.”
Williams started performing and leaned into the nickname for a stage title. “I didn’t need a kind of low-cost, nasty drag names,” Williams mentioned in The Sunday Instances interview.
In a 2019 interview with the BBC, Williams described The Vivienne as somebody “who has come into cash, she moved to LA and blew all of it after which she’s needed to transfer again to Liverpool.”
“I prefer to have a extremely fierce look, however I prefer to be hilarious on stage, so I’m type of an old style and the brand new faculty put collectively, which I believe works,” Williams mentioned within the interview.
In 2015, The Vivienne beat out 20 different performers in a daylong competitors hosted by RuPaul. 4 years later, Williams auditioned for and ultimately received the inaugural collection of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.”
Williams went on to look on the seventh season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” as The Vivienne and was a finalist within the British collection “Dancing on Ice” in 2023.
Williams had additionally constructed a profession in musical theater, showing because the Depraved Witch of the West in a British and Irish tour of “The Wizard Of Oz,” and on the West Finish’s Gillian Lynne Theater.
Williams had simply completed touring as The Vivienne with the manufacturing “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” taking part in the function of “the kid catcher” and was set to reprise the function on the tour in February, in response to WestEndTheatre.com, a British theater information website.
“I believe being an incredible performer is nice, however I simply suppose with the ability to relate to somebody who’s a bit widespread is simply a lot extra endearing than having all the talents beneath the world,” The Vivienne mentioned within the last for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, in response to the BBC. “I haven’t bought all the talents beneath the world, however what I’ve bought is the instruments to make somebody really feel comfortable with themselves.”
WWE’s “Uncooked” debuts Monday night time on Netflix, the primary time in 30 years this system is not going to air on a linear channelGetty Pictures
“Monday Evening Uncooked” is ready to make a world splash with tonight’s debut on Netflix — a platform with greater than 282 million worldwide subscribers — and WWE is cranking up its manufacturing energy for the elevated stage.
“The worldwide facet is big, we all know we’re uncovered to a means larger market than we usually can be as a home product,” Brian Fadem, VP and line producer at WWE, stated Sunday on the eve of the manufacturing.
Mentioned Fadem: “We need to make this present the spectacle, the extent that we really feel prefer it must be on a brand new platform like Netflix. The vibe I get round WrestleMania week could be very a lot the vibe I get at present, and this previous week.”
For the primary time in 30 years “Uncooked” is not going to air on a linear broadcast, shifting from NBCUniversal’s USA Community in a 10-year settlement with Netflix, valued at greater than $5B.
The present could have a versatile time size on Netflix, aiming for a three-hour debut tonight beginning at 8pm ET. In its linear previous, the published would run as much as 15 industrial breaks, which shall be decreased within the streaming period so as to add extra content material on a weekly foundation, in line with Fadem. Worldwide audiences is not going to have any industrial breaks.
“When you would possibly go to commercials in case you’re in Texas, in case you’re in Italy you’re going to see us proceed content material,” stated Fadem. “You are going to see the continuation of a match. You are going to see unique interviews with our expertise. You would possibly see an unique package deal that can solely be considered on that worldwide stage.”
The crew began fascinated with tonight’s present again in September, which Fadem stated is “far earlier” than ordinary.
“There’s just one likelihood to make an awesome first impression,” stated Fadem. “To us, this opportunity to actually make that first impression for a brand new viewers probably, or perhaps an viewers that’s extra unfamiliar with our product or hasn’t seen it in years [or] a long time.”
Tonight’s present will happen on the Intuit Dome in L.A. After arriving on Thursday and starting preparation, the crew needed to vacate the venue Saturday night time to accommodate a Clipper’s recreation.
“The one factor that’s actually gotten in our means is the very fact the NBA had a recreation right here [Saturday] night time,” stated Fadem. “I don’t have any doubts by way of the know-how of the constructing and the quantity of cameras that we’ve. I really feel cautiously optimistic at this level. The crew and everyone seems to be means on prime of this present due to the enormity of this. One thing will all the time go incorrect as a result of it’s stay TV, however we all the time have our backup plans and backups to these backup plans.”
Fadem attended the Clippers recreation, permitting him to take a look at the venue’s know-how in motion.
Rehearsals included taking a look at audio and video know-how, which included new instruments like a point-to-point sky cam system, a techno crane for extra intimate in-ring pictures, and drones inside and outdoors the venue. The drones will use never-before-seen pictures of WWE expertise to be built-in inside “Uncooked,” and a devoted drone crew to work solely backstage to seize expertise arrivals and behind-the-scenes content material.
“That’s one factor we’re actually going to attempt to lean into [today],” stated Fadem. “Getting these drones for use in intimate methods and actually take the viewer who’s at residence, making an attempt to get them to really feel right here like everybody else.”
Netflix aired a drone present Friday night time that used 1,200 drones, together with 200 geared up with pyro. The Goodyear Blimp will present protection of “Uncooked” from above the Dome.
“We’re simply making an attempt to up our recreation a bit of bit,” stated Fadem. “I feel we did a very good job this final 12 months presenting our product, making it really feel totally different than it had prior to now. Whereas we do not need to stray too removed from that, we additionally do need to make it appear to be there’s a bit of bit extra of a grand stage to it on a weekly foundation.”
Manufacturers within the recreation
The debut of “Uncooked” on Netflix could have essentially the most manufacturers ever on the ring mat for any WWE occasion.
Hulk Hogan’s Actual American Beer signed a multiyear partnership that features ring mat nook branding, the primary time that piece of sponsored stock has been featured on the present.
Two long-time companions, Epic Video games and Cricket, shall be on the mat for the primary time, and Snickers is returning because the presenting accomplice of “Uncooked.”
James Lee Williams, higher referred to as drag queen The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
Publicist Simon Jones stated the performer, who died over the weekend, was “an extremely liked, warm-hearted and superb individual”.
The Vivienne starred in musical theatre and TV productions, and gained the primary sequence of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
The present paid tribute to the drag star on social media, saying they had been “deeply saddened” by the information of the performer’s dying.
Cheshire Police say there are not any suspicious circumstances surrounding the performer’s dying.
In a submit on X, RuPaul’s Drag Race stated: “She will probably be dearly missed, however her legacy will dwell on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a real champion”.
It added: “Our hearts exit to her household and followers throughout this tough time.”
The present’s choose Michelle Visage additionally referred to as the star “a beacon to so many”.
Watch: Second The Vivienne wins RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
Writing on social media, Visage referred to as the information “heartbreaking”, including: “My darling The Vivienne, we return to after I began coming over right here to the UK.”
“You had been all the time there, all the time laughing, all the time giving, all the time on level.”
“Your laughter, your wit, your expertise, your drag. I liked all of it however I liked your friendship most of all.”
Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash additionally reacted to the information, writing on Instagram: “I am so sorry I am in complete shock”.
Cheryl – who used to go by Cheryl Gap – took half in the identical sequence of Drag Race as The Vivienne. The performer wrote on Instagram: “I’ll love you ceaselessly Viv.”
John Hyland, group partnerships lead at Sahir, a LGBTQ+ and HIV charity in Liverpool, additionally paid tribute. Drag followers have been donating to Sahir’s newest marketing campaign as a mark of respect for The Vivienne, who posted in regards to the enchantment simply days earlier than their dying.
John stated: “It says loads to Viv’s character that her final social submit was about our Pound for Sahir marketing campaign. She simply wished to present again.
“In case you take a look at the response tonight, I believe we will be in mourning on this metropolis for a very long time. The Vivienne was an incredible character, an incredible affect.”
Dexter Clift, higher referred to as River Medway, competed on the third sequence of Drag Race UK and went on to carry out with The Vivienne in numerous initiatives together with reveals and music movies.
They instructed the BBC: “He was the blueprint of a drag celebrity. So gifted, so humorous, so entertaining. I used to like getting a gig with Viv as a result of it meant I’d get to look at her.
“The Viv has been round doing drag for thus lengthy however I assumed we had been going to see the subsequent Paul O’Grady. I used to be satisfied The Viv was going to host Drag Race UK in the future.
“I discover it very tough to assume that that is the tip of that story.”
Williams’ ex-husband, David Ludford, paid tribute on Instagram.
He wrote: “My coronary heart actually sank after I obtained the decision! My coronary heart is shattered!”
Natasha Von Spirit, a Liverpool drag queen, stated that The Vivienne had put British drag “within the mainstream” and that they might be enjoying songs in tribute to them all through the night time.
They stated: “At any time when she was out on the scene after drag race she was simply one of many Liverpool gays.
“I will play all kinds for Viv tonight – undoubtedly Strolling in Memphis as a result of earlier than Drag Race she sung that none cease, and undoubtedly a little bit of her personal music as effectively.”
Getty Pictures
The Vivienne pictured with RuPaul
Williams was born in Wales, and adopted the drag title due to a love for sporting Vivienne Westwood clothes.
Rydal Penrhos college in Colwyn Bay, the place Williams was a former pupil, stated it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the star’s dying.
“The Vivienne’s profitable profession as a performer and artist proved a supply of inspiration and pleasure to so many”, the varsity stated in a press release.
In addition to profitable Drag Race, The Vivienne got here third on the 2023 version of Dancing On Ice, and carried out because the Depraved Witch of the West in a UK and Eire tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical.
The performer reprised the position within the West Finish on the Gillian Lynne Theatre final yr.
The Vivienne additionally competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise within the US in 2022, and starred in BBC Three present The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020.
In an Instagram submit on Boxing Day, The Vivienne put up a sequence of photographs, captioning it: “24′ highlights.”
“What a yr it has been. This is to reaching new heights and attaining goals in 25,” the star wrote, earlier than signing off: “Viv xxx.”
Mr Jones stated phrases asserting The Vivienne’s dying had been ones he “by no means ever wished to put in writing”.
“Nobody has ever made me snicker in my life as a lot as Viv did. Their comedian genius and fast wit was like no different,” he stated.
“I am so proud and fortunate that Viv was such an enormous a part of my life on daily basis for the final 5 years.”
Mr Jones requested for privateness for the star’s household and stated no additional particulars could be launched presently.
Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth viewers, referred to as the information “deeply unhappy”, including: “We’re fiercely happy with The Vivienne’s achievements, together with profitable the primary ever sequence of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
“Proper now our ideas are with their household and associates, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many followers.”
‘Now I’ve obtained a crown’: The Vivienne reacts to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK win in 2019
Wealthy Cimini, ESPN Employees AuthorJan 6, 2025, 11:07 AM ET
Shut
Wealthy Cimini is a employees author who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Wealthy has lined the Jets for over 30 years, becoming a member of ESPN in 2010. Wealthy additionally hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He beforehand was a beat author for the New York Every day Information and is a graduate of Syracuse College. You may observe him through Twitter @RichCimini.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, who interviewed Tuesday for the crew’s head teaching emptiness, is satisfied he’ll land the job.
If it occurs, he says he’ll put an finish to the Aaron Rodgers “nation membership.”
Ryan, showing Monday morning on ESPN New York radio, ripped the long run Corridor of Famer for skipping the crew’s obligatory minicamp final June to take a trip to Egypt. He additionally criticized the group’s “abysmal” management for condoning it.
“Clearly, when you may have a man that does not present up for obligatory minicamp — and, by the way in which, he is your quarterback, coming off an damage — I feel that is a completely ridiculous message you ship to the crew,” Ryan stated throughout a spot on the “DiPietro & Rothenberg Present.”
“If he comes again, issues could be completely different. If he is again, it ain’t gonna be the nation membership, present up each time the hell you need to present up. That ain’t gonna occur. I will simply go away it at that,” Ryan stated.
Rodgers, who blamed his absence on a scheduling mix-up, was fined roughly $100,000 by the Jets for lacking the minicamp. Then-coach Robert Saleh referred to as it an unexcused absence, although he wasn’t significantly crucial of the four-time MVP. Rodgers, 41, is undecided on his future, saying he’ll take time to think about it.
Ryan, who has been lobbying for the Jets’ job, met with crew brass in Palm Seashore, Florida, the place proprietor Woody Johnson has a house. The assembly occurred practically 16 years to the day of his first interview with the crew, when he went from Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator to Jets head coach in January 2009.
He went 46-50 in six seasons, main the Jets to the playoffs and back-to-back AFC Championship Video games in 2009 and 2010 — the franchise’s final postseason appearances. He was fired by Johnson after going 4-12 in 2014, however he has maintained a relationship with the proprietor.
“The rationale I feel I will get it’s as a result of I am the perfect man for it. It ain’t shut. The factor you must do is, you must join together with your soccer crew, you must join together with your fan base. The way in which they play, that is a very powerful factor. It isn’t simply the Xs and Os and all that. This Ben Johnson, I like him, I completely love him, however I am a greater candidate for this job than he could be.”
Rex Ryan
The crew already has interviewed former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and former Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera. The Jets even have submitted interview requests for not less than 4 offensive coordinators — Arthur Smith (Pittsburgh Steelers), Bobby Slowik (Houston Texans), Joe Brady (Buffalo Payments) and Matt Nagy (Kansas Metropolis Chiefs), based on stories. The Jets are additionally anticipated to submit requests for not less than three defensive coordinators — Aaron Glenn (Detroit Lions), Vance Joseph (Denver Broncos) and Brian Flores (Minnesota Vikings) — and two quarterback coaches — Josh McCown (Vikings) and Brian Griese (San Francisco 49ers — sources advised ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The ever-confident Ryan, now an ESPN analyst, expects to land the place.
“Oh, 100%, completely, I do,” he stated. “The rationale I feel I will get it’s as a result of I am the perfect man for it. It ain’t shut. The factor you must do is, you must join together with your soccer crew, you must join together with your fan base. The way in which they play, that is a very powerful factor.
“It isn’t simply the X’s and O’s and all that. This Ben Johnson, I like him, I completely love him, however I am a greater candidate for this job than he could be.”
The Lions’ offensive coordinator is likely one of the hottest candidates in the marketplace, however he isn’t anticipated to interview with the Jets, sources stated.
Ryan stated the present Jets are “not brief on expertise.” He blamed their 5-12 season on a “lack of organizational management,” pointing to the teaching employees. Saleh was fired in October, adopted by basic supervisor Joe Douglas in November.
The league introduced the official schedule for this yr’s Wild Card Weekend on Sunday with Saturday’s slate comprising two video games.
AFC
Matchup
Date
Time (ET)
Community
(5) Chargers at (4) Texans
Saturday
4:30 p.m.
CBS
(6) Steelers at (3) Ravens
Saturday
8 p.m.
Prime Video
(7) Broncos at (2) Payments
Sunday
1 p.m.
CBS
The Denver Broncos will journey to Buffalo to face the Payments within the wild-card spherical after caring for enterprise at dwelling in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs to clinch the AFC’s remaining playoff spot. It is Denver’s first postseason look since its 2015 Tremendous Bowl marketing campaign. Buffalo, attempting to recover from its playoff hump and make a title run, rested its principal starters within the regular-season finale with the AFC’s 2-seed already locked up.
The Los Angeles Chargers took benefit of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ late-season skid to arrange a wild-card matchup in opposition to the Houston Texans that appears extra favorable than Pittsburgh’s playoff tilt versus the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers have misplaced 4 straight and dropped to the No. 6 seed after the Chargers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore cut up their regular-season sequence, however the Ravens blew out the Steelers of their most up-to-date assembly in December.
Because the No. 1 seed, the Chiefs will relaxation subsequent week and have home-field benefit.
AFC playoff standings
Seed
Group
Division
Report
1
Chiefs
West
15-2
2
Payments
East
13-4
3
Ravens
North
12-5
4
Texans
South
10-7
5
Chargers
West
11-6
6
Steelers
North
10-7
7
Broncos
West
10-7
NFC
Matchup
Date
Time (ET)
Community
(7) Packers at (2) Eagles
Sunday
4:30 p.m.
Fox
(6) Commanders at (3) Buccaneers
Sunday
8 p.m.
NBC
(5) Vikings at (4) Rams
Monday
8 p.m.
ESPN
The Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings within the extremely anticipated Sunday Night time Soccer finale, securing home-field benefit and a first-round playoff bye. In the meantime, Minnesota advances because the 5-seed to go to the Los Angeles Rams, who fell to the No. 4 seed after resting their starters in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the wild-card spherical after Inexperienced Bay misplaced to the Chicago Bears on Sunday and completed because the 7-seed. Philly beat the New York Giants on Sunday with out most of its starters. Inexperienced Bay’s principal gamers began versus Chicago, however the membership noticed extensive receiver Christian Watson and quarterback Jordan Love maintain knee and elbow accidents, respectively.
The Washington Commanders – who beat the Dallas Cowboys to ensure their No. 6 spot – will go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the first spherical. Washington misplaced to Tampa Bay within the wild-card spherical when the NFC East crew final reached the postseason in the course of the 2020 marketing campaign. The Bucs clinched their playoff berth Sunday by defeating the New Orleans Saints and successful the South for a fourth straight season.
The Eagles took down the Packers 34-29 in Brazil earlier this marketing campaign, whereas the Bucs beat the Commanders 37-20 to kick off their common season.
FRISCO, Texas – Cam Miller accounted for 320 yards and 4 touchdowns to steer No. 2 seed North Dakota State to a 35-32 victory over top-seeded Montana State within the NCAA Division I Soccer Championship Recreation on Monday, Jan. 6, earlier than a crowd of 18,005 at Toyota Stadium.
Miller was named the sport’s Most Excellent Participant after dashing 18 occasions for 121 yards and two touchdowns and finishing 19 of twenty-two passes for 199 yards and two TDs.
It was the 18th soccer nationwide championship in class historical past, and this system’s tenth FCS nationwide title in 14 seasons. NDSU completed the season 14-2 general, and Montana State completed 15-1.
Bryce Lance caught 9 passes for 107 yards together with a key 1-yard landing reception with 12 seconds left within the first half after the Bison protection acquired a fourth-down cease close to midfield. The ten-play, 56-yard scoring drive gave NDSU a 21-3 halftime lead.
Montana State began the second half with back-to-back touchdowns, together with a two-point conversion, to chop the deficit to 21-18.
NDSU responded with a 1-yard landing go from Miller to tight finish Joe Stoffel on the second play of the fourth quarter to increase the result in 28-18, however MSU quarterback Tommy Mellott acquired free down the sideline for a 44-yard landing run to drag the Bobcats inside 28-25.
After the groups traded three-and-outs, NDSU went on nine-play, 66-yard scoring drive capped by CharMar Brown’s 3-yard landing run to make it a 10-point sport with 2:35 left. RaJa Nelson had a key third down reception to increase the drive.
Mellott linked with Taco Dowler on a 19-yard landing go with 1:09 left within the sport, however Lance recovered the following onside kick and the Bison ran out the clock on Kaedin Steindorf’s 45-yard punt to seal the victory.
NDSU completed with a slight edge in whole yards, 401-393 and transformed 8 of 12 third downs in comparison with 8 of 13 for the Bobcats. MSU held the sting in time of possession with 31:01.
Linebacker Nick Kubitz made a team-high 9 tackles with 1.0 sort out for loss and one go breakup for NDSU. Security Jaylin Crumby and linebacker Enock Sibomana added six tackles apiece.
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